Beadwork is a highly specialized art form that's covered in detail on the BellaOnline Beadwork Site. Our focus here at Jewelry Making will be limited to a very basic overview of beadwork, and occasional areas where beadwork can be incorporated into other methods of making jewelry.

Beadwork involves the skillful weaving of tiny glass beads using specialized needles and threads. Some techniques are performed by holding the work in your hands, and others are stitched onto a beading loom.

The little beads used in beadwork are commonly called "seed beads" and "Delicas." Seed beads are small, rounded glass beads. The better quality seed beads are manufactured in the Czech Republic. Lower quality (less evenly sized) seed beads are also available.

Delica beads are tiny glass beads shaped like little cut tubes. The Delica brand is manufactured by Miyuki in Japan. A competing brand is Toho Antiques, also made in Japan. These beads are more expensive than rounded seed beads.

It's important to choose bead type wisely, depending on your project. Rounded seed beads work best for weaves that are sewn diagonally or at right angles. Delicas are preferred for patterns forming rectangular grid shapes, and they create a smooth, even surface.

The most popular beadwork thread today is made of thin nylon filaments. It's sold under the brand name Nymo and several less-known competitor brands. Nylon thread is strong and very resistant to decay. Bees wax or commercial thread conditioners, like the brand Thread Heaven, are typically applied to thread as a subtle lubricant before beading.

The most useful needles used in beadwork are called (appropriately) "beading needles." Beading needles are longer and thinner than regular sewing needles, to accomodate various sizes of beads. "Loomwork beading needles" are used for techniques that require a loom. They are even longer than standard beading needles, which enables them to pass through entire loom-rows of beads.

A fun aspect of beadwork is its ability to create both flat, fabric-like designs as well as chunky three-dimensional components and objects. Projects can take a "free form" approach, using no set pattern, or can be very disciplined, following a precise design pre-planned on a grid. Beads are available in a huge array of colors and finishes, and designs can be clean and simple, or strinkingly elaborate.

If you're interested in getting started with beadwork, please visit the BellaOnline Beadwork Site.

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Advanced Beadwork by Ruth F. Poris - Book Review

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Chris Franchetti Michaels is a writer and jewelry artisan specializing in beaded designs, wire work, and metal fabrication. She is the author of the books Teach Yourself Visually: Jewelry Making and Beading, Beading Quick Tips, and Wire Jewelry Quick Tips. Visit her website BeadJewelry.net for more jewelry-making help and inspiration.